This is intended to be a homage to very many musicians I've loved since I started listening to music. My intention is to tell what I know about them, hoping that those people who like them too, will help me fill numerous gaps, which I may have in their careers and discographies. Sorry, but there are no MP3 audio files here at all, just info (and love for the musicians).

HiStats

Thursday, 3 December 2009

Veteran vocalist from the British scene. He was born in Blyth, Northumberland, on April 17, 1948. He started his career very soon, and even released a solo single in 1966 when he was only 18! It was 'How do you say I don't love you / If you're gonna go'.

THE GRAHAM BELL TREND

As far as I know, this could be his first band, but I don't know any details. Lack of success made Graham to split the band and come back to his howetown, Newcastle.

SKIP BIFFERTY

It was early 1966, when The Chosen Few get a new singer, Graham Bell, and change their band name to Skip Bifferty:

Being from Newcastle, they established themselves in London. After several months as a tight unit, they released a self-titled album, Skip Bifferty, in 1968. Some of their songs were produced by Ronnie Lane, and arranged by Steve Marriott. They also released an EP called Oak in 1967.

They also worked in a soundtrack for the film ´Smashing Time´, but they don't appear in the album.

Finally, in November 1968 they split when they were working in a second album, with the working title of Skiptomania.

A terrific lineup. But they only released two singles, being 'I am the dark noise in your head / Don´t you know' (1969) the first one. They also appeared in The Peel sessions radio program in October 1969.
Colin Gibson and Craddock joined Ginger Baker's Airforce, and Alan White joined Balls (with Denny Laine) for a while, also going to Ginger Baker's Airforce.

EVERY WHICH WAY

Graham Bell joined a new band in May 1970: Every Which Way, formed by drummer Brian Davidson (ex-The Nice):

The band was short-lived, and after a fantastic debut album released in September 1970, Every Which Way, and a successful presentation at The Marquee, they sadly split in early 1971.

BELL & ARC

Graham Bell started thinking about a solo career. He wrote some demos, and called his old mates (now in Arc) to back him. All went so well, that they decided forming a stable lineup, under the name Bell & Arc:

They released Bell & Arc, with lots of great guests: Kenny Craddock (keyboards, guitar), Bud Beadle (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Jeff Condon (trumpet), John Woods (percussion), Alan White (drums, percussion). Some of them also joined the band later.

But, after one month, they disbanded in February 1972, as Graham Bell was offered a deal to go solo by producer Bob Johnston.

TOMMY (cast)

After the success of Tommy, the album by The Who, producer Lou Reizner arranged a new, symphonic version, released in November 1972. It was recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra, The English Chamber Choir, plus a cast of thousands: Sandy Denny, Graham Bell (who sings lead in '1921'), Maggie Bell, Steve Winwood, Richie Havens, Merry Clayton, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Richard Harris, plus The Who, of course.

To celebrate the release, on December 9th, 1972, the whole work was played live at The Rainbow, with some of the same artists as in the album, plus some added stars:

In March 1973, there were two concerts productions of Tommy in Australia. From The Who, only Keith Moon attended, and Graham Bell appeared as The Narrator. The other roles were played by Australian singers (such as the late, great Billy Thorpe).

GRAHAM BELL BAND

Graham Bell went solo again.

He released his first solo album, Graham Bell, that same year, with these musicians (some parts were recorded in UK, some parts in Nashville):

Around 1975, Melody Maker had an article about Graham. It was said that an album was being recorded with help from Pete Townshend, and an announcement about a brand new band.

(Almost) COLOSSEUM II

In January 1975, Jon Hiseman started looking for people to form his new venture, Colosseum II. The guitarist in the band was Gary Moore, so he brought Graham Bell for the auditions. But he finally didn't join (Mike Starrs was the chosen singer).

AND THEN...

And now I have a very big gap in Graham Bell's career. Any help with info would be very appreciated.

GRAHAM BELL´S STOTTS

Around 1975, Graham Bell formed a band with old mate Kenny Craddock. They were called Stotts, but their live was too short:

They released two albums, Change my life and Open for business (rereleased under the title Blues on me). But they sadly split in 1990. All the members (except Graham) went to play with Mick Taylor All Star Band.